Search on for owners of cat stuck in a tree for FOUR days

The ginger tabby, suffering from dehydration, was treated by a vet after the rescue in Rochdale. Firefighters were called to Laurel Court, Newbold, Rochdale, by the RSPCA after repeated attempts to coax the cat down

RSPCA officers are hunting for the owners of a cat which was rescued by firefighters after being stuck 40ft up a tree for four days.

The ginger tabby, suffering from dehydration, was treated by a vet after the rescue in Rochdale. Firefighters were called to Laurel Court, Newbold, by the RSPCA after repeated attempts to coax the cat down.

Neighbours had also tried to use food to rescue it.

Fire service spokesman Ian Tracey said the cat eventually reached a branch 40ft up.

He said: “The RSPCA asked to use some of our kit so they could go up and put some food on the branch to try and entice the cat.

“But the cat moved into a more difficult position, so we eventually we needed an aerial appliance to reach it.”

“The first rescue attempt was made at 20ft but we just missed, which made the cat climb a further 20ft to higher branches.

“Following several further attempts by the RSPCA officer and fire service personnel, the cat was eventually caught using a grabbing net.”

He said they only rescue cats if requested to do so by the RSPCA – or if people are endangered by their attempts to rescue an animal.

The RSPCA is now caring for the cat.

A spokeswoman said: “We are very grateful to the fire and rescue service for their assistance with rescuing this cat.

“We always hope that they will come down when they get hungry but after four days we really needed to help him out.

“He couldn’t be reached by even the longest ladder so the fire service’s hydraulic lift had to be used.”

The tabby is currently being cared for at RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital.

She added: “He wasn’t wearing a collar and isn’t microchipped so at the moment it’s not known if there is an owner out there looking for him.”

If you think you are the owner of the male tabby, call the hospital on 0300 123 0711.